Are You Too Hip For This?

Exercise Queens & Astoria, NY

Sometimes, we take the simple things for granted.

Take the hip joint, for example. Since the hip is a major weight-bearing joint, any injuries or discomfort can impact the ability to sit, stand and walk. We know about posture and the lower back, but the hip joint doesn’t get a lot of attention.
In fact, gradual wear and tear of the hip joint and the surrounding muscles can lead to pain and discomfort over time. In some cases, this may lead to hip replacement surgery. A complex network of muscles and ligaments surround the hip joint to keep it stable, and mobile at the same time. The hip can function as a weight bearing joint, and dislocations are minimized.
When the hip is injured or operated upon, the ligaments and the muscles around the hip need time to heal and scar tissue forms. This can increase the possibility of a dislocation, cause pain and restrict motion. Physical therapy will help regain hip mobility and function while preventing postures that can harm the healing hip.

Exercise and Posture Tips
Postural Awareness
In general, a physical therapist will advise patients to advise unstable positions including:

• Allowing the leg to cross the midline of the body.
• Outward rotation of the leg.
• Flexing the hip at an angle of 80 degrees or more.

The most important aspect of recovery is gradual weight bearing and movement under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist. Gradual walking builds flexibility and strength.

Ongoing assessments and postural feedback from your therapist will ensure that the neck, back, hip and knee align correctly. The therapist will also make sure that you can sit, stand and walk in a manner that is safe for the healing hip joint.